Dierks School Board Meeting Highlights STEM Initiatives and Staff Bonuses

Recently, the Dierks School Board met for their regular monthly meeting, where Superintendent Grover Hill presented the latest financial reports, ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility within the district.

During the meeting, GT/Math Interventionist Paula Stapp highlighted a variety of exciting STEM projects, along with plans for the upcoming “Thanksgiving Day” robot parade. She also discussed student engagement through chess club activities, student council meetings, and an upcoming school-wide election, emphasizing the district’s commitment to fostering student leadership and innovation.

In a show of appreciation for their hard work, the board passed a motion by Kara Tedford, seconded by Justin Simmons, to provide a one-time, non-recurring bonus of $1,000 for both certified and classified staff, to be distributed during the November payroll.

Additionally, a motion by Justin Simmons and seconded by Laykon Graham to add a “Media Assistant” position to the salary schedule was also approved unanimously. In a further move to support staff, the board approved a stipend for Chelsea Sayre’s contract retroactive to July 1, 2024, again unanimously supported by the board.

The board unanimously approved several motions to enhance the school’s operational efficiency and support staff. A motion by Kara Tedford, seconded by Jeffrey Mounts, was passed to hire April Kappus as the cleaner for the basketball gym during the season, with compensation set at $100 per night for regular games and $125 per night for tournament games.

The meeting concluded with the board adjourning to an executive session at 5:33 p.m. to discuss personnel matters but no action was taken.